Batik is an ancient art form that uses melted wax to create a design on fabric. The fabric is then dipped in dyes to color the design, resulting in beautiful textile art that can be used as a wall hanging, a pillow top or even as a scarf. The exact origins of batik are unknown, but the art form reached its pinnacle in Java, Indonesia. By the 13th century, batik had become a highly developed art form in Indonesia and the island of Java was well-known for its intricately beautiful batik products. Some of the finest batik cloth in the world is still made there.
Simple patterns using bold, bright colors are the best choice for the beginner when trying the art of batik. Use a plain, white or light-colored natural fiber fabric such as cotton, silk or linen. New fabrics must be washed in hot, soapy water or boiled to remove finishes. When dry, tack the fabric, stretched tight, to a picture frame or a canvas stretcher. Using a pencil or charcoal stick, sketch the basic design you have chosen on the fabric. Use a combination of paraffin and beeswax for best results, mixing five tablespoons of beeswax to one pound of paraffin. This ratio works best since beeswax adheres to fabric and paraffin dries with a more brittle finish. The cracking that results adds character and interest to the design as the colors seep between the cracks. Hot wax is flammable, so do not heat the wax directly. Melt the mixture in a double boiler and prevent it from getting hot enough to start smoking. Use a piece of test cloth to see if the wax is hot enough. It will penetrate the cloth when it is ready.
While batik artists traditionally use a tool called a canting needle to apply thin lines of wax, a good quality artist's brush is a great tool for the beginner. Paint the wax onto the design, covering the areas that you do not wish to be colored in the first dyeing. The first dyeing should be the lightest color. When you have completed your design, unpin the cloth from the frame and immerse in the dye bath. If you wish to have the crackling that is distinctive to batik, crumple the fabric slightly before dyeing. Soak the item for the amount of time recommended by the dye manufacturer, then remove and let drip dry. Do not wring or blot.
To add more color to certain areas of the design, wax the areas that are to remain the color of the first dyeing. Repeat the dyeing process. To remove wax, cover an ironing board with newspaper. Place the fabric on the board between layers of paper toweling. Press the fabric on both sides, replacing the toweling as the wax accumulates. Apply other colors the same way, adding and removing wax as needed.
As you become more adept at creating batik pieces, try more intricate designs and mixing dyes for more interesting color combinations. Batik is an art form that requires patience but does not necessarily require a lot of artistic ability. A simple design with bold, beautiful colors can result in a striking piece of art. You can use your batik creations to brighten your home décor or as wearable art. Make a sarong for the beach or bright, colorful placemats for your table. Use these tips to bring the ancient art form of batik to life in your own home.
